DALLAS — The most exciting portion of the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys is now over, as the 2024 NFL draft concluded with the team selecting four more players on the third and final day.
Without a fourth-round pick, after trading it away to the San Francisco 49ers last year for developmental quarterback Trey Lance, the Cowboys missed out on a chance to add some quality players in a deep draft – especially at running back – but they did find four prospects who they hope can help with a roster that experienced turnover in free agency.
Here’s a look at what Dallas did on Day 3 and how these rookies fit:
5th Round, pick No. 174: Wake Forest CB Caelen Carson
With their first pick coming at the tail end of round five, the Cowboys had some waiting to do, but they came away with a cornerback prospect who was expected to go much higher. Carson was a four-year starter at Wake Forest who had three interceptions and 26 passes defensed during his college career.
As a good coverage CB, Carson also plays with physicality and aggressiveness against the run. Carson is good enough to compete with anyone on the roster for playing time after the big three of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis but it’s worth noting that corners often take some time to adjust to the pro game.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys needed some depth at CB and Carson was too good to pass up in the fifth-round. As a bonus, he should be someone who contributes on special teams and that could be his first path to seeing the field.
6th Round, pick No. 216: Southeast Missouri State WR Ryan Flournoy
Wide receiver was another underrated need for the Cowboys, and they addressed it by selecting Flournoy in the sixth-round. His numbers in 2023 won’t wow anyone, Flournoy caught 57 passes for 839 yards and six scores, while averaging almost 15 yards a catch.
However, it was the physical tools that attracted the team to Flournoy. The athleticism and measurables put the WR in elite company, which made Flournoy an ideal prospect to take a chance on late in the draft.
Another one of Flournoy’s best traits are his hands, as he rarely drops a pass.
Dallas’ WR room consists of two sure things, All-Pro CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Beyond that, there will be competition from everyone else on the roster, so Flournoy has a path to earning a role.
7th Round, pick No. 233: Louisiana OL Nathan Thomas
After taking two offensive linemen in the first three rounds, the Cowboys weren’t done trying to get better in the trenches. Thomas is a big-bodied prospect, weighing 330 lbs., who is at his best in the running game. Described as a mauler, Thomas played tackle in college, but is expected to move inside to guard with the Cowboys.
Thomas showed considerable improvement over the last two years and was expected to be drafted higher, but now the team gets a player who is motivated to prove people wrong.
Thomas marked the third offensive lineman that the Cowboys took this weekend that offers impressive size and physicality. He’s also the third one who is changing positions in the NFL so expect some potential growing pains.
7th Round, pick No. 244: Auburn DT Justin Rogers
With their final selection, the Cowboys finally addressed one of their biggest holes on the roster, defensive tackle. Rogers is in the same boat as some of the other DTs that the team has brought in during the past few years, he has size to clog the middle and excels as a run stuffer, but it’s a position that Dallas has struggled to develop.
At 338 lbs., Rogers’ best attribute at Auburn was his ability to play the run and take up space. Rogers has the strength to push the pocket and does offer some pass rushing ability.
There isn’t much quality at DT in Dallas as they hope last year’s first-rounder Mazi Smith makes the leap forward in year two, but Rogers will get an opportunity to earn his way onto the roster.
Day 3 draft grade: B
On the final day of the draft, the Cowboys did what teams are supposed to do, pick prospects that fall further than where they’re expected to be selected, and select players with high upside because of their athletic background. Dallas checked all those boxes with their limited draft capital. It’s always best to bet on big, strong, fast athletes, and the Cowboys did that well.
The team also addressed most of their needs with each of their selections.
However, the team bypassed one of their biggest holes when they failed to draft a running back at any point over the entire weekend. Among the four players picked on Day 3, only Carson appears to be ready to contribute immediately come September. There’s a long way to go between now and then, but Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft brought some players who could add depth and improve the team’s physicality. If the Cowboys are lucky, maybe even one or two can become a starter for the future.
Yet, it’s the position that they didn’t pick which could determine the success of the late rounds.
How do you think the Cowboys fared on the final day of the draft? Share your thoughts with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi.
